Connor Zilisch is set to make his debut in the NASCAR Cup Series this season, driving the No. 88 Chevrolet alongside Shane van Gisbergen, a road course specialist and close teammate. Their partnership at Trackhouse Racing brings together two experienced competitors, building on a history of intense rivalry and teamwork.
A Season of Rivalry and Collaboration Between Zilisch and Van Gisbergen
Throughout the 2025 season, Zilisch and van Gisbergen competed fiercely in the Xfinity Series, exchanging victories in tight wheel-to-wheel battles. Both raced for JR Motorsports during that year, developing a strong rapport that now extends into their shared effort in the Cup Series for 2026. This continued collaboration highlights their mutual respect and competitive spirit.
Van Gisbergen’s Confidence in Zilisch’s Ability to Excel
Shane van Gisbergen expressed his high regard for Zilisch’s capabilities in a recent interview with Speedcafe. When asked whether he believes Zilisch can match his Cup Series performance, van Gisbergen replied without hesitation, “Oh, of course.” He acknowledged the challenges of adapting to different cars and limited practice time but conveyed confidence that consistent racing would enable Zilisch to contend at the front.
Van Gisbergen described the difficulty of adjusting to part-time racing schedules:
“It’s hard jumping between the cars as they’re so different, and as I found out last year doing the one-off races, it’s hard with a part-time team. You’re not with the same guys every week. And, the car’s still prepared. Like, it was still exactly the same as my car setup-wise, but it’s just different,”
he noted.
He further commented on the learning curve:
“You’re not used to the car, and again, you jump in, and it’s a short practice straight into qualifying, and once you’re buried in the pack, it’s hard to get through. So, yeah, I’m sure this year racing it every week, he’ll definitely be up the front.”
Van Gisbergen also praised Zilisch’s rapid development and adaptability, highlighting his extensive simulator work and racing experience:
Image of: Shane Van Gisbergen
“He’s an unreal talent… The development of him at his age is so impressive, you know, with the simulators and the amount of racing that they do over here.”
Examples of Intense Competition from the Xfinity Series
The rivalry between Zilisch and van Gisbergen produced memorable moments during the Xfinity Series, underscoring Zilisch’s skill. At the Chicago Street Course in July 2025, van Gisbergen edged out Zilisch to secure victory after a late challenge. The following week at Sonoma Raceway, Zilisch reversed the result, holding off van Gisbergen to claim his third NASCAR win and end van Gisbergen’s road course winning streak. Their battles culminated at Watkins Glen in August 2025 when a late-race clash led to van Gisbergen spinning out, allowing Zilisch to take the checkered flag.
Zilisch’s Early Cup Series Experience and Future Potential
So far, Zilisch has made three starts in the Cup Series with one top-20 finish at Atlanta. While still adapting to the Next Gen cars, his familiarity with the circuits positions him well for progress. Van Gisbergen acknowledged the unknowns of Zilisch’s career path, considering the possibility that he could have taken a different route through single-seaters but emphasized his impressive talents within NASCAR.
At just 18 years old, Zilisch stands out as one of the most promising young drivers in the sport, showing remarkable growth and earning praise from veterans like van Gisbergen. With a full season ahead in the Cup Series, much is expected of his continued development and potential impact.
